PLUS ONE ENGLISH NOTES The central character of the story is Maggie.

It is the story
of hope and faith. Maggie and her mother very much
HIS FIRST FLIGHT- Liam o Flaherty worried about Frank who is working in India as a soldier.
They blindly believed that crystal ring tells the truth. That
The central character of the story is young seagull. He was a hope. They sought the help from Gupta, an Indian.
was afraid to fly because he thought his would never Gupta’s presence gave them temporary happiness. Finally
support him to fly. Young seagull had no confidence and they got the news that Frank had died in the war. The
courage of his own. Finally, the mother seagull story is about the value of human relationship. The
approached him by showing a piece of fish in her beak. shilling that she earned symbolizes Maggie’s sacrifice for
By extreme hunger, he dived at the fish and fell down into her brother. It is a touching story based on sympathy. We
the space. It is in fact the love and inspiration done by the understood the power of words and faith in the story. The
mother made him fly. I think it is the duty of the parents superstitions of western people about India is astonishing.
to care, love, support and encourage their children in such
crucial occasions. THE SACRED TURTLES OF KADAVU

I WILL FLY- APJ Abdul Kalam ‘Turtle Calling’ is a strange miracle happening in the
Fijian village of Namuana. Hundreds of young women
Theme- Everyone should be confident, self-reliant and from the village of Namuana dressed in black assembled
unique. there during the ceremony. The ritual is connected with
the story of Tinaicoboga and her charming daughter
In his inspiring speech “I will fly” Kalam says that no Raudalice. They both were captured by the fishermen of
youth needs to fear about the future. Because the ignited the neighbouring village. They seized them in their boat
mind of the youth is the most powerful resource on the and ran towards their home. A great storm arose and their
earth. And he says that everyone should be unique by boat was tossing and the two women lying in the water
being yourself. There is no need to imitate others. We had suddenly turned into turtles and is thrown into sea. It
have to fight the hardest battle to achieve our dream. is believed that the turtles appear on the surface of the
water are the descendants of Tinaicoboga and Raudalice.
QUEST FOR A THEORY OF EVERYTHING When the maidens chanted a strange song, hundreds of
turtles appeared on the surface of water. All maidens were
Stephen Hawking developed deep interest in science in blessed and it is considered as the fortune of Namuana.
his childhood. He asked many valuable questions
regarding the universe especially time and space. He was
a slow learner and not a genius. He contracted a rare DISASTERS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN
disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Later he lost INDIA- Anjana Majumdar
his voice in an operation. But he continued working with
the help of ‘equalizer’. He chose to ignore all of his Disasters are a global scenario. A disaster is a serious
difficulties and achieved his goal in life. Finally he issue occurring over a short or long period of time that
became the supernova of world physics. cause wide spread human, economic or environmental
loss. Disasters can be classified into natural and man
AND THEN GANDHI CAME- Jawaharlal Nehru made disasters. Earthquakes, cyclones, landslides,
tsunami, etc are natural disasters. Bhopal gas tragedy,
Indians were in a state of darkness, they were helpless and nuclear attack, war, etc are man made disasters. Disasters
hopeless after the first world war. It was at this point have increased both in frequency and intensity. It is really
Gandhi came. Nehru describes Gandhi as a powerful a challenge for all humanity.
current of fresh air, he was like a beam of light that could India is highly vulnerable to disasters due to its long cost
pierce darkness. Gandhi uprooted fear from the minds of lines, the perennial rivers, snow-clad peaks, etc. The
Indian people. He taught the essence of his principles- impacts of disasters are widespread damage, destruction
fearlessness and truth. His two fold action was a) to fight and death. They damage lifeline supporting systems like
against British rule b) to fight against our social evils. The communication, power supply, water supply, etc.
dream India according to his wishes and ideals: Commercial and economic activities are badly affected.
a) the poorest shall feel that it is their country. b)there Death is sometimes caused by destruction of buildings.
shall be no high class and low class of people. c)there State government plays a major role in disaster
should be social and religious harmony. d)women should management. Rehabilitation of victims is done through
enjoy equal rights with men. e)India should be free from proper co-ordination among various departments. Rescue
drinks and drugs. f)there shall be no room for teams should be well equipped with latest technologies.
untouchability. Safe and secure building codes should be strictly
Under Gandhi’s leadership India attained freedom from implemented.
British rule. He was a man of strong willpower and self
confidence. He was a symbol of uncompromising truth. GOOSEBERRIES- Anton Chekhov

THE PRICE OF FLOWERS- Prabhat Kumar It is the story of two brothers who pursue happiness in
their own ways. Quest for fulfilment is the theme of the
story. Ivan Ivanich becomes philosophical and his head is
hot with rush of ideas after visiting his brother Nicholai’s and his crew showed their heroism. The became patriotic
estate. Freedom is a boon as essential as the air we breath and saved women and children first. Captain Smith never
for him but his brother Nicholai had attained his goal in thought of saving his own life. The band played the hymn,
life. He got what he wanted- an estate with gooseberry which was the grandest scene ever. The poem presents
bushes. how human beings can rise to the heights of heroism in
times of disaster.
Significance of the title ‘gooseberries’
The ship is personified as a beautiful lady.
For Ivan Ivanich, gooseberries are hard and sour but for
Nicholai they are so sweet and delicious. Gooseberry has
dual taste-first bitter and then sweet. Nicholai leads a
bitter life but when he ate gooseberry, he was in extreme
joy. For Nicholai gooseberries symbolize the fulfilment of TO SLEEP- William Wordsworth
a lifetime dream.
“To sleep” is a sonnet by Wordsworth, the great poet of
IF- Rudyard Kipling nature. The speaker suffers from insomnia(sleeplessness).
He tried every technique to fall asleep, but failed. He
The poem speaks about the qualities of a good citizen. It thought of a flock of sheep, sound of rain, murmuring of
is in the form of an advice given by a father to his son. A bees, waterfall, etc. Yet he couldn’t sleep. He thinks about
perfect man should not tell lies. He should have patience. the importance of having sound sleep in our life. The poet
He should transform dreams into reality and thoughts into addresses sleep as the mother of fresh thoughts and
action. He should treat success and failure equally. The joyous health. It is the blessed barrier between day and
message of the poem is self-discipline. day.

‘Triumph and disaster’- Personification ‘bees murmuring’- onomatopoeia

‘Unforgiving minute’- Metaphor. ‘blessed barrier’- oxymoron
‘blessed barrier between’- alliteration
DEATH THE LEVELLER- James Shirley ‘dear mother of fresh thoughts’- personification.

The glories of our blood and state are only shadows DISCOURSES
because they are temporary. There is no armour or shield
against death because death comes to everyone, nobody 1) Speech:
can resist it. All are equal before death. Death takes
everyone- high and low, rich and poor, learned and Good morning everyone,
ignorant alike. That is why death is called ‘the leveller’. Respected dignitaries on and off the dais, a warm
Even the rulers or the royalty have to surrender before welcome to all. I am very happy to be here on this
fate and die one day. Only the good actions of the just will occasion. I would like to talk to you few words on the
survive death. topic..........................
It is a relevant topic of discussion in today's world. It is a
‘Death lays his icy hand on kings’- personification. golden opportunity in my life to stand before you to
‘Sceptre and crown’ & ‘scythe and spade’- metonymy. express my views. I have a lot of ideas about the topic.
‘Victor- victim’- oxymoron.
.............................................................................................
SUNRISE ON THE HILLS- HW Longfellow .......................(MAIN TOPIC)...................................
...........................................................................
It describes the poet’s experience on his visit to the hills at
sunrise. He glorifies the enchanting beauty of nature. The Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to conclude my
sun’s glory outshines everything else. From the beautiful words. I am very thankful to the audience for your kind
sights of the valley the poem moves on the mesmerizing participation and patience. Wishing you all a great day.
sounds of the valley. Nature is the source of solace for the
sorrows and problems of human beings. People who want Thank you.
to forget their sorrows should go to nature. The healing
power of nature is beautifully presented in the poem. 2) Travel essay

‘returning march of the sun’- metaphor A thrilling journey to Wayanad

‘soft gales’- oxymoron
My friends decided to make a trip to the hill stations of
THE WRECK OF THE TITANIC- Benjamin Peck Wayanad. It was a fantastic journey in my life. It was in
Keith the first week of April 2022. we started our journey in the
early morning in a tourist bus with all equipments like
The Titanic was a poem of iron and steel. On the tragic coat, water can, camera, necessary food, materials for tent
night it collided with a huge iceberg and sank into making, etc.
Atlantic ocean. Then her brave commander captain Smith
Wayanad is a green, beautiful piece of land that lies in the the poem. The imagery in the poem paints a vivid picture,
north east boarders of Kerala. It is about 60 kilometres making it easy to visualize the scenes. The poem evokes
from Calicut. The panoramic beauty of Thamarassery deep emotions and connects with the reader on a personal
ghats provides a feast to the eyes. Thamarassery ghats is a level.
hilly high way with nine hairpin curves from Adivaram to ………………………………………………………
Lakkidi. At Lakkidi there is a beautiful lake where you ……………………………………………………………
can enjoy boat journey. …………………… (about the
poem).....................................
On either side of the road we could see monkeys sitting in ……………………………………………………………
rows as if they are there to welcome the tourists. The ……………………………………
forests around are rich in wildlife. Cash crops such as tea,
coffee and pepper are grown here. There is a Jain temple It is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally
which is fully constructed in glass. touching. The poem is relatable and leaves a lasting
impression on the reader. It has a freshness of outlook
We made a tent in the wilderness which was mesmerizing. even when the theme is universal. We can read the poem
I am delighted by the sight of all these places and wanted from different angles. It is very interesting and
to remain there for a long period. The native people and meaningful. The poem is a masterpiece that leaves the
their culture seemed to me very enthusiastic. And the cold reader inspired. The poem through its versatile style of
climate of Wayanad was an unforgettable experience. On presentation and structure attains perfection.
the whole we enjoyed our trip to Wayanad.
5. Interview questions
3) Travel info
1. What is the turning point in your life?
MALAMPUZHA DAM A: Continuous failures are the turning point in my life.
2. What prompted you to select this field?
One of the largest dams and reservoirs in Kerala, located A: My childhood experiences and the realities around me
near Palakkd, built in 1955. The dam is 6066 feet high prompted me to select this field.
and crosses the Malampuzha river. August to April are the 3. Are you happy with your present position?
best months to visit. A: Yes, I am very happy with it.
4. How did you achieve this position?
Contact number A: I achieved this position by overcoming many
0483 232 232 challenges.
5. How did you balance work and personal life?
Getting there A: My work never interrupts my personal life. I enjoyed
. By road: Buses and taxi will take you to Malampuzha both.
from Palakkad. 6. What is your advice to the new generation?
. By rail: The nearest railway station is Palakkad A: Work hard. It will bring you success.
junction.
. By air: The Coimbatore airport is the nearest. 6. e-mail format

Don’t miss out To: abc@[Link]

. The dam Subject:................................
. Malampuzha Garden
. The snake park Dear,
. Ropeway
How are you? Hope you are well. I am sending this e-
The cuisine mail to share an amazing experience.
. Fried fishes
. Dum Biriyani .............................................................................................
.............................................................................................
Where to stay ............................................................................................
. KTDC garden house
. Mlalampuzha dam resort I conclude my words here. Have a wonderful day. Mail
me as soon as possible.
Enjoy your trip.
Thanking you.
4. APPRECIATION OF A POEM Yours lovingly,
xyz@[Link]
(Name of the poem) is a very beautiful poem written
by (name of author). It delivers a powerful and thought
provoking message. The poet’s use of language is truly
captivating, with vivid imagery and expressive words.
The rhyming scheme and rhythm enhance the beauty of 7. Report of a seminar/programme
 I read The Indian Express daily. You report everything
The social club of our school has conducted a truthfully. I am writing this letter to express my concern
programme/ seminar on the topic................on................. about.......................................................
at the school auditorium. Welcome speech was done by
the principal. ..............................(main content)...........................
The programme was inaugurated by................. .............................................................................................
The programme was chaired by....................... .................................................................................
Felicitation speech was made by.....................
Paper presentations were done by........................ Kindly publish through the appropriate columns of your
esteemed daily. It will be great to get an awareness to the
.....................(about the topic).................................. common people. It is an important issue. Similar issues
...................................................................................... come up everyday. The Govt. and the people should open
....................................................................................... their eyes. It is time to be active. I conclude the letter
It was followed by a discussion. All of them emphasized here. Let us hope for a better tomorrow.
the importance of............................................................
Vote of thanks was proposed by............................. Yours truly,
The programme was ended with national anthem. Sd/
Name.
8. Informal Letter
11)Advantages and Disadvantages/ Merits and
Place, demerits of internet use among children.
Date. or
Technology/cyberspace and education.
Dear,
How are you? Hope you are fine. I think it is long As we know it has both positive and negative sides.
since we wrote each other. I am writing this letter to tell Internet is one of the most advanced and useful inventions
you an important matter. of science. Information is at our fingertips. The entire
............................................................................................. world has shrunk into a global village. Definitely young
............................................................................................. children have a vista of opportunities and options to
..............(main content)........................................ mould their life and career. Actually a boon in disguise!
Surely, children can use it for various educational
Please convey my regards to all at home. I conclude purposes. Briefly, this cyberspace has created a world
my words. Let us hope to meet at the earliest. entirely for ourselves.
However, there are infinite chances of getting into
9. Live TV Report unknown traps and dangers which are hidden. There are
also numerous useless and demoralizing sites that can
Hello friends, I am Babu from 24 News. I am here affect the growing minds adversely. Internet is eating the
at..................Wow! It is really unbelievable. This event precious time of the young generation. Cyberspace has
will be written in golden ink in the history of time. created a society without social. The new generation is
Thousands of people are gathered here. It is really deaf to the social issues and movements of the beautiful
amazing. nature. Children along with their parents need awareness.
............................................................................................. They must be aware of the pros and cons of this
................(main content)............................................. technology and it can be made a part of their academics.
....................................................................................
12) Write a ritual/festival in your village or locality.
We will get back after a short break. Till then bye fro
Babu with cameraman Shaji. ‘ONAM: A Ritual Festival of Kerala’

Onam is the most important and popular festival of kerala.

10. Letter to Editor It is celebrated every year during the malayalam month of
Chingam. Onam is a harvest festival that marks
From, happiness, prosperity and unity among the people of
Name Kerala. During Onam, homes are decorated with flower
Address designs called ‘pookalam’. People wear new clothes and
delicious meals known as Onam sadhya are prepared.
10.12.2025
It is a ritual that reflects the rich culture and traditions of
To, Kerala. Famous activities include vallam kali, pulikali,
The Editor thiruvathira, and kathakali. The festival of Onam is
The Indian Express closely connected with the legend of King Mahabali.
Sir, According to the legend, Mahabali was a kind and
Sub:................................................... powerful king who ruled Kerala. His kingdom was a land
of peace, equality and happiness. There was no poverty
and dishonesty during his reign.

The gods became jealous of King Mahabali. Lord Vishnu

decided to test him and came to earth in the form of a
dwarf Brahmin called Vamana. Vamana asked Mahabali
for three steps land. The generous king agreed. Vamana
then grew into a giant form and measured the earth and
sky in two steps. For the third step Mahabali offered his
own head. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu granted
him a boon.
As a blessing, Mahabali was allowed to visit his people
once every year. It is believed that Onam is the time when
Mahabali returns to kerala to see the happiness and
prosperity of his people. All the rituals and celebrations
are performed to welcome the beloved king.

13) Profile Writing

write the full name of the person

. birth: he/she was born on...........(date) in............(place)

. profession/field/job/occupation: he/she was a
renowned..........(name of profession)
. spouse: his/her spouse is..........(name)
. children: his/her children are...........(names)
. education: he/she was educated at.............(name of
institution)
. books: his/her major books are......................(name of
books)
. awards: he/she bagged many awards like....../
he/she got many awards like..........
. honours: he/she was honoured with........
. death: he passed away on........(date)

14) CHARACTER SKETCH:

MAGGIE, HASAN, GRETA, YOUNG SEAGULL,

MOTHER SEAGULL, NICHOLAI IVANICH, IVAN
IVANICH

Yasar Arafath
HSST English, GHSS Irikkur